Google Pixel Watch 3 | Review - video Dailymotion

Tom's Guide

Google’s third iteration of the Pixel Watch is a winner, particularly the new, larger 45mm model which sports a 40% larger screen than its predecessor and offers up to 48 hours of battery life per charge (compared to just 24 hours for the 41mm Pixel Watch 3). Plus, you get loads of advanced insights into your sleep quality, wellness and workout training habits, including several handy new metrics borrowed from Fitbit Premium, like a daily Readiness score. Finally, a brighter screen, a thinner bezel and outstanding wearability.

Transcript

00:00Should you buy the new Google Pixel Watch 3?

00:04Hi, I'm Dan from Tom's Guide, and I've been wearing the Pixel Watch 3 for 10 days now,

00:08and I'm here to tell you whether or not you should spend your money on it.

00:12The Pixel Watch 3 is Google's latest flagship smartwatch,

00:16and for the first time, it's available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm.

00:22The 41mm model is the same size as 2023's Pixel Watch 2,

00:28but the 45mm model is entirely new for the series.

00:32The device also boasts an upgraded screen that's twice as bright and twice as responsive as its predecessors,

00:38along with a thinner bezel.

00:40Power management tools have been expanded.

00:43So has integration with other Google products, like Nest Home Security cameras.

00:48The Pixel Watch 3 also inherits some of Fitbit's best wellness tools,

00:53as well as a first-of-its-kind loss-of-pulse detection safety feature.

00:58While the overall design of the device is remarkably similar to its predecessor,

01:02at least from a glance, the totality of the device's upgrades are pretty darn impressive.

01:08The 41mm model starts at $349, the same price as the Pixel Watch 2,

01:14while the 45mm model starts at $399.

01:18Add $100 to either for LTE connectivity.

01:21The first reason to buy the Pixel Watch 3 is for its advanced training tools for runners.

01:26Google tweaked its algorithms to provide even more accurate insights for runners,

01:31including better precision when it comes to heart rate data.

01:34You also get new running form metrics like ground contact time, stride length, step cadence, and vertical ratio,

01:43plus all the standard workout specs you'd expect,

01:47like calories burned, total distance covered, pace, and elevation gain.

01:52You additionally get access to Fitbit's Cardio Load Insights,

01:56a measure of how hard your heart is working during an exercise.

02:00This feature requires a Fitbit Premium account to access on any other device.

02:05Additionally, Pixel Watch owners can create custom running routines with different intervals and goals

02:11using Google's Build-to-Run feature.

02:14For example, I like to alternate between walking and running,

02:17so I created a custom routine that incorporates both.

02:20When it's time to switch, the Pixel Watch 3 lets you know via either an audio cue or haptic feedback on your wrist.

02:27You can also set up the watch to alert you when you're falling behind pace on a run,

02:31a feature I'd love to see offered to cyclists as well.

02:35A Fitbit Premium membership unlocks even more features for runners,

02:39Google AI daily running plans, and exclusive workout content from Fitbit's trainers.

02:44It costs $10 a month or $80 for the year.

02:47Another reason to consider the Pixel Watch 3, specifically in 45mm,

02:51is for its excellent battery life and sleek design.

02:55In my testing, the 41mm Pixel Watch 3 lasted for roughly 24 hours in between charges,

03:01which is what Google advertises.

03:03This was without using any of the power-saving features.

03:06But the 45mm model is good for closer to 48 hours in between charges,

03:11similar to the far chunkier and pricier Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

03:16Outside of these two models, there isn't a full-featured Wear OS smartwatch with nearly as impressive longevity.

03:23The Galaxy Watch 7, for what it's worth, also lasts for around 24 hours for charm, like the smaller Pixel Watch 3.

03:31My final reason for considering the Google Pixel Watch 3

03:34is for its excellent integration with other Google products and tech.

03:38If you own a compatible Nest Cam for home security,

03:41the Pixel Watch 3 can be used to check in on your feed in real-time from the wrist.

03:46You can even communicate with someone on the other end.

03:49Also, if you've lost your Google TV remote to the couch cushion abyss,

03:53the Pixel Watch 3 can additionally function as a TV remote in a pinch.

03:57Plus, it can be used to control your Pixel phone camera from afar.

04:01Before we get into negatives, let me know in the comments below

04:04whether these positives are enough to get you to buy the Pixel Watch 3.

04:08And check out our other videos on the latest Pixel products,

04:11as well as my colleague Kate's video on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

04:15Now, it's not all sunshine and roses.

04:17There are definitely some reasons to give this year's Pixel Watch model a skip.

04:22First up, I think you'd be totally justified in skipping the Pixel Watch 3.

04:26If you want an Android-compatible smartwatch

04:28with the brightest screen possible for daylight viewing.

04:31While Google doubled the refresh rate from 30Hz to 60Hz

04:35and the screen brightness from 1,000 nits to 2,000 nits on the latest Pixel Watch 3,

04:39the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra tops out at a whopping 3,000 nits,

04:43the same as the Apple Watch Ultra.

04:46So, if you're someone who likes to check your workout stats while on the move,

04:50long-distance runners come to mind,

04:52then the Galaxy Watch Ultra may be a better choice for you.

04:55Another reason to skip the Pixel Watch 3, and I'm sorry Google,

04:58is if you like instantaneous metrics and health insights.

05:02While the latest Samsung Galaxy Watches provide a wealth of information

05:06after wearing the devices for just 24 hours,

05:09Google makes you wait a week or more for access to some of its most insightful metrics,

05:14including several that are new.

05:17Your daily readiness score, for example,

05:19doesn't appear until after you've worn the watch to bed for seven consecutive nights.

05:23Samsung offers an energy score which, like the readiness score,

05:27is a number ranging from 1 to 100 after just a single night.

05:31Google's target load metric takes even more dedication to access.

05:35You need to wear the Pixel Watch for 14 consecutive nights

05:38before this helpful training tool,

05:40intended to help you maximize your workouts without overtraining or risking injury,

05:44kicks in.

05:46My final reason for skipping the Pixel Watch 3 is its price.

05:50Starting at $349 for the smaller model without LTE,

05:54the latest Pixel Watch is a full $50 pricier than its Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 equivalent,

06:00which offers a very similar set of features and specs.

06:03Ultimately for me, the Pixel Watch 3 in 41mm

06:07doesn't quite move the needle enough to warrant the upgrade.

06:10While I appreciate the screen improvements,

06:12and I really like the daily readiness score,

06:14I'm less of a fan of the new running metrics,

06:16I'm not much of a runner,

06:17and if they had been tuned to say cyclist instead,

06:20maybe my opinion would be different.

06:22On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 3 in 45mm has more to offer.

06:26You get 40% greater screen real estate compared to the Pixel Watch 2,

06:30but more importantly, substantially better battery life.

06:34A full 48 hours according to my testing.

06:37Still, I'd want to see access to the device's new loss of pulse detection feature

06:41turned on for US customers

06:43before I'd consider plunking down $399 for this larger model.

06:48Until that happens, I plan to keep on happily rocking my Pixel Watch 2.

06:52So what do you think?

06:54Are you going to buy or skip the Pixel Watch 3?

06:56Let me know in the comments below.

06:58And if you've enjoyed this video, go ahead and give me a follow on Twitter.

07:01I'm at Dan Bracaglia, all one word,

07:03and read my articles on tomsguide.com.

07:06For everything else, give us a follow at Tom's Guide.

07:09Once again, I'm Dan, and I'll catch you in the next video.

07:13♪

Google Pixel Watch 3 | Review

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